US considers special forces mission to seize Iran's uranium

The United States is reportedly considering a large-scale special operations mission to physically seize Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium from its heavily fortified nuclear facilities, a plan experts describe as potentially one of the most sophisticated military operations in history. According to sources familiar with military planning, the high-stakes contingency would involve thousands of ground troops storming key sites to establish a secure perimeter, clear booby traps, and protect transport routes, while a smaller elite team retrieves the nuclear material.

The operation, described as a "nuclear option," is reportedly under consideration as diplomatic efforts to address Iran's nuclear program have stalled. Joseph Rodgers, deputy director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, stated that a military operation may be the most likely way to deal with Iran's existing nuclear material, given the lack of progress in negotiations. He characterized the prospective mission as logistically heavy and difficult, requiring operations deep inside hostile territory.

Potential targets include the nuclear facilities at Isfahan and Fordo, which were damaged in U.S. and...